Though often overlooked, a golf glove is just as essential as other golfing equipment like golf shoes, clubs, and balls. It not only improves a golfer’s grip, but also protects the player’s hand from bruising, blisters, and calluses.
If you’re new to wearing a golf glove, you’re in the right place. This article answers some of the early questions a golfer asks when buying a golf glove. This includes: which hand do you wear a golf glove on? Is wearing a glove even required? What are the best types of gloves?
Table of Contents
Which Hand Do You Wear a Golf Glove On?
A golf glove is usually worn on the lead hand, or the hand you place highest on the club.
If you’re a right-handed player, a golf glove should be worn on your left hand.
If you’re a left-handed player, it should be worn on your right.
Can You Wear Golf Gloves in Both Hands?
Traditionally, a golf glove is worn in only one hand. However, it isn’t rare to find players wearing gloves on their left and right hand during matches.
One of these people is Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey, who consistently wears golf gloves in pairs.
When asked why he wears two gloves, he responded, “Wearing two gloves just feels right.”
He said that he tried playing with one glove and even no gloves, but his shots didn’t feel as consistent as when he’d wear both gloves.
So the answer to this question is yes, you can wear a glove in both hands when golfing.
It’s really a matter of personal preference. If you’re comfortable with them on, there’s nothing stopping you from wearing gloves on both hands.
Do You Really Need a Golf Glove?
For beginners and casual golfers, a golf glove isn’t necessary but it’s highly recommended. For serious and professional golfers, it’s practically a requirement.
A golf glove improves a golfer’s grip, especially for long-iron shots and drivers where accuracy is key. It prevents the club from slipping from the player’s hand, particularly in hot weather.
Is Wearing a Golf Glove Required in Tournaments?
No rule requires you to wear a golf glove during tournaments.
In fact, a lot of great players—like Lucas Glover, ironically—forgo it entirely.
It’s really just a matter of subjective comfort and convenience as opposed to a written requirement.
What Are the Advantages of Wearing a Golf Glove?
The main advantage of a golf glove is improved grip.
Since it’s tackier than bare human skin in warmer weather, it’ll help prevent the club from twisting in the player’s hand. Those with looser or weaker grip benefit from these gloves because they create more gripping power and friction.
Another advantage of wearing a golf glove is that it can keep your hand warm and dry during winter and inclement weather.
It can also prevent and reduce the risk of blisters and calluses from repeatedly swinging the golf club, as well as sunburnt hands in the summer season.
Finally, a golf glove adds cushioning to your hand for when you’re gripping the club too tightly. It can protect your hand from bruises and sprains.
So, to reiterate, a golf glove has the advantage of:
- Preventing excessive blisters and calluses
- Improving a player’s grip
- Keeping a player’s hand warm and dry
- Protecting a player’s hand from bruises, sprains, and sunburn
What Are the Disadvantages of Wearing a Golf Glove?
Wearing a golf glove comes with its own set of disadvantages.
For one, it has a short lifespan. The more oil and sweat it absorbs, the less effective it’ll be in the long run. Eventually, the glove’s grip and water-resistant qualities will erode, forcing you to buy a new one.
A golf glove typically lasts around 10 to 15 rounds before it needs to be replaced. Some professionals replace their gloves every four to six holes for optimum gripping power.
This wouldn’t be such a disadvantage if not for the fact that these gloves can be costly.
On average, a golf glove can cost anywhere between $15 to $25, with some high-quality versions costing up to $50 apiece.
Another disadvantage is that it can cause discomfort during extremely hot weather, even with its moisture-wicking capabilities.
Furthermore, it can make some players feel “disconnected” from their golf grip. This is particularly true if said players aren’t used to wearing a golf glove in their lead hand.
To summarize, the disadvantages of wearing a golf glove are as follows:
- Needs to be replaced every 10 to 15 games
- Replacements can get expensive over time
- Can feel “off” for some players
- Can become uncomfortable during extremely hot weather
What Are the Best Type of Golf Gloves?
Golf gloves come in multiple material types. Three of the most common include synthetic, leather, and hybrid—a combination of leather and synthetic.
Synthetic
Synthetic gloves are made from faux leather. They have almost the same feel and appearance as real leather, except they’re more flexible and less expensive.
However, they don’t “breathe” as easily as leather gloves. They’re not as comfortable as the alternative, either.
Leather
Leather gloves have the perfect texture for golf: soft and comfortable, almost like a second skin.
They’re moisture resistant and stay soft as long as they’re regularly cleaned and treated.
That said, leather gloves are much more expensive than synthetic. They also don’t typically last as long as the latter.
Hybrid
Hybrid golf gloves are the best of both worlds. The glove’s palm and fingers are made of real leather for enhanced comfort and moisture resistance, while the joints and wear points are made from synthetic for extra durability and flexibility.
They cost more than synthetic but less than genuine leather gloves.
Conclusion
Since golf gloves are often sold in pairs, beginners assume they’re worn in both hands. Though there’s no rule stating that wearing two gloves is wrong, these gloves are traditionally worn in only one hand—the lead hand.
The primary purpose of a golf glove is enhanced grip. With a glove on, there’s less risk of the club twisting in your hand. It also prevents excessive blisters and calluses.
